Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1887-05-06
r. G. Dun's Trade Review.

New YORK, April Or. G. Dun &
Company's weekly review of trade
says: The Interstate bill is doubtless
charged with much interruption OF
business that does not belong to it,
but during the past week evidences
have multiplied of its harmful effect.
BY the convincing proof that Boston s
export trade would be destroyed if the
customary rebates and favoring rates
were refused, the Commission was led
| to virtually suspend the operation Of
the Second Section for the benefit of
the Boston roads. The Pacific roads
obtained exemption and reduced their
rates except the Union Pacific, which
was by error omitted.
In session at Atlanta the Commits
sion was informed of many projected
enterprises, contracts for which had
been suspended until the question of
rates could be settled. A contract for
10000 tons of paving at Marlboro, N.
H., was refused, the rates being ad-
vanced to three times as much as the
expected profit. Vast quantities of
freight accumulate at many points
awaiting the result of the appeals to
the Commission. Louisville mer-
chants offer complaints as to injury in
some trades. New Orleans expected
improvement but realizes none and
finds business upset. Cleveland feels
injury in important branches of trade.
Hartford manufacturers find that the
act threatens to exclude them from
many markets. Pittsburg and Phila-
delphia attribute to the act much dull
ness and the iron manufacturers hold
that they have already sustained large
aggregate losses.
Thus while reaction after an excep-
tional activity was predicted, this real
and considerable disturbance certainly
results from the new law, and certainly
from the uncertainty of its require
ments. The general reports of trade
are nevertheless favorable, and it is
cheering to note how hopeful spirit
is everywhere expressed. Money is
generally in good supply, though in
demand at Nashville and New Orleans.
Collections continue fair with improve
ment at Milwaukee and Cincinnati,
except in the trades affected by strikes
in building and manufacturing. Busi-
ness is very good at Nashville, except
in the tobacco trade, and less delayed
than might be. expected where real
estate speculation RACES. At many
points unreasonable weather embar-
rasses the condition of the leading
branches of business. The weather is
improving. A brighter sky is also
seen in the boot and shoe trade, with
increasing orders. A better demand
is seen for some kinds of leather and
prices for the new clip of wool at the
west are higher than was expected,
though in the Eastern markets there
is no change. Cotton has been slight
ly advancing by manipulation. Cot
ton goods are at present in moderate
request and print cloth is shade low
er, but the effect of the exceptional
purchases in March has not yet passed.
Wheat rose during the week and ex-
perienced reaction again. The bat
tie between Western farmers, who
think the higher rail rates should be
borne by the consumers and the
worlds markets, which refuse to ad-
vance, does not go in favor of the
farmers thus far. Coffee has been
feverish. OF all the great industries
the iron manufacture is the most un-
settled, because the Interstate laws
changes may check railroad building
while the projected increase in iron is
heavy. Business failures occurring
throughout the country during eleven
days number for us 164 and for Can
ada q; total, 191; against 1919 for last
week and POI for the corresponding
week of last year.